Steering System

Dr. Yehia Eldrainy

Function of Steering System

Control of front wheel (sometimes
rear wheel) direction.

Maintain correct amount of effort

needed to turn the wheels.

Absorb most of the shock going to the

steering wheel as the tire hits holes
and bumps in the road.

Allow for suspension action.

Turning Radius
Turning the Car (when turning, front wheels dont point the same direction)

Inside wheel turns at a smaller radius, hence the inside wheel turns at a
steeper angle then the outside wheel.

Turning Radius
During turn outside wheel MUST
travel in wider arc
Alignment angle that controls this is
called turning radius toe-out on
turns or the ACKERMAN angle

Ackerman Principle
Steering geometry where the front
tires are toed-out slightly during
cornering making the inside tire turn
tighter than the outside front tire.
Named for Rudolf Ackerman.
The steering mechanism is designed
to insure that when the vehicle turns
left or right, the inner wheel is turned
through a larger angle to prevent tire
wear

Axle
Steering

Steering assembly
in operation, as the
steering linkage is
shorter than the axle,
the inner wheel is
turned through
a larger angle.

Steering assembly at
rest, the longer bar
represents the front
suspension axle, the
shorter bar is the
steering linkage.

Ackerman Principle
When the wheels are facing forward
the trapezoid is symmetrical and not
deformed. Both ends of the tie rod
are at symmetrical points on the
circumferences of their corresponding
steering arms.
As the tie rod is moved to the right
the trapezoid begins to collapse. The
left end of the tie rod moves thru a
section of the circumference that
produces a greater change in rise
than the right end. The greater
change in rise translates to a greater
angle of turn so the left wheel turns
sharper.

Understeer and Oversteer

Understeer want to go straight
(not steer)
Oversteer back end wants to
come around and turn in the
direction of the skid

Steering System

Steering ratio

Steering ratio is a measurement of how many turns of the

steering wheel it takes to go from a full lock to the other
full lock
Basically how many turns from all the way left to all the
way right
Also measured from the center (straight) to a full lock turn
Fast ratio is 3 turns lock to lock
Slow is about 4 or 5 times lock to lock
15:1 ratio wheels move 1 deg for 15 deg of steering
wheel movement

copyright 2011 - eric jaromin

Steering Systems

Manual steering system relies on the driver to provide

steering force.
Power assist (power steering) uses hydraulic or
electric power to help the driver apply steering force.
Both manual and power steering systems have common
components.
Input components

Steering wheel
Steering column
Steering shaft

Steering System Components

Steering wheel, column and shaft

Steering Wheel driver input used by the driver to rotate a

steering shaft that passes through the steering column.
Steering Column supports steering shaft.
Steering Shaft transfers turning motion from the steering
wheel to the steering gearbox.

Steering gear changes direction rotating steering

wheel into linear motion

Steering linkage connects steering gear to steering

arms

Ball joints allows movement of steering components

and suspension

Steering wheel

Attaches to steering column and shaft by 1 or more

fasteners, most single nut
Have an interference fit on the shaft very tight fit, may
need a puller
May contain an airbag assembly, radio controls, cruise
controls, etc

Steering column

Contains and supports the

steering shaft
May have a tilt mechanism
May have telescoping
mechanism
Also houses ignition switch

Steering designs

The steering system works with the suspension

system. It allow the driver to steer the car while
providing a comfortable amount of steering effort.
There are two styles of steering:

Parallelogram Steering

Has a gear box and a parallelogram linkage attached to a pair of

tie-rods.

Rack and pinion steering

It is a simple long rack with straight tie-rods extending from its

ends

Steering designs

Parallelogram Steering

Rack and pinion steering

Parallelogram Steering
Components
Pitman arm

Idler arm

Controls sideways linkage movement.

Tie-rods (inner tie rod and outer tie rod)

Supports the center link to the frame.

Center link, drag link, or steering link

Connects the linkage to the steering gear box.

Connect linkage to center link and the steering knuckles.

Tie rod adjustment sleeve

Connects the inner and outer tie-rods

Parallelogram Steering

Parallelogram Steering

Parallelogram Steering

The steering box mechanisms drive the pitman arm.

The advantage of these mechanisms is that they
give bigger mechanical advantage and thus work
well on heavier vehicles.
The following are the four basic types of steering box
used in pitman arm systems:

Worm and sector

Worm and roller
Worm and nut or recirculating ball
Cam and lever

Parallelogram Steering
Worm and Sector

The end of the steering shaft has a

worm gear attached to it. It meshes
directly with a sector.
When the steering wheel is turned,
the shaft turns the worm gear, and
the sector gear pivots around its
axis as its teeth are moved along
the worm gear.
The sector gear is mounted on the
cross shaft which passes through
the steering box and out the bottom
where it is splined, and the pitman
arm is attached to the splines.
When the sector gear turns, it turns
the cross shaft, which turns the
pitman arm, giving the output motion
that is fed into the mechanical
linkage on the track rod.

Parallelogram Steering
Worm and Roller

Instead of having a sector gear,

there is a roller. The roller is
mounted on a roller bearing shaft
and is held captive on the end of
the cross shaft. As the worm gear
turns, the roller is forced to move
along it but because it is held
captive on the cross shaft, it twists
the cross shaft. Typically in these
designs, the worm gear is actually
an hourglass shape so that it is
wider at the ends. Without the
hourglass shape, the roller might
disengage from it at the extents of
its travel.

Parallelogram Steering
Worm and nut or recirculating ball

This is by far the most common type of steering

box for pitman arm systems.
In a recirculating ball steering box, the worm
drive has many more turns on it with a finer
pitch. A box or nut is clamped over the worm
drive that contains dozens of ball bearings.
These loop around the worm drive and then out
into a recirculating channel within the nut where
they are fed back into the worm drive again.
Hence recirculating.
As the steering wheel is turned, the worm drive
turns and forces the ball bearings to press
against the channel inside the nut. This forces
the nut to move along the worm drive.
The nut itself has a couple of gear teeth cast into
the outside of it and these mesh with the teeth
on a sector gear which is attached to the cross
shaft just like in the worm and sector
mechanism.
This system has much less free play or slack in
it than the other designs, hence why it's used the
most.

Parallelogram Steering
The balls purposes:

They reduce friction

and wear in the gear.

They reduce slop in

the gear.

Parallelogram Steering
Cam and lever

Cam and lever steering boxes

are very similar to worm and
sector steering boxes.
The worm drive is known as a
cam and the sector gear is
replaced with two studs that sit
in the cam channels.
As the worm gear is turned, the
studs slide along the cam
channels which forces the cross
shaft to rotate, turning the
pitman arm..

Rack and pinion steering

Most passenger vehicles today use rack and pinion steering systems.
Generally contained in one complete housing.
The steering shaft connects to a pinion shaft through a universal joint
or coupler.
The pinion gear meshes with a rack of gear teeth.

Rack and pinion advantages:

Fewer parts
Lighter
Modular
Saves space

Generally not as strong as a recirculating-ball type system so it is

suitable for todays lighter cars.

Rack and pinion steering

Rack and pinion steering

Steering linkage

Steering linkage is anything connected to the wheels and the

steering gear
Tie rods
Steering arms
Steering knuckles
Ball joints

Tie rods

Tie-rods are attached to pivot points on each front wheel

The other end is attached to the steering gear or rack
Allows for suspension movement
Used to adjust TOE of the car tires face in / \ or out \ / when
driving straight

Tierods

Steering arms

Tie-rods attach to the front wheels at the steering arms

The steering arm is attached to the steering knuckle, which includes
the spindle
Used to get proper steering angle during turns

Ball joints

Allow suspension movement up and down, as well as turning

movement
Located in control arms in lower, as well as upper control arm if so
equipped
Wear items need replacement periodically

Power steering

It is used for reducing the steering effort on vehicles to

assist in turning the wheels.
Can be hydraulic uses a pump driven by the engine, or
an electric motor, to pump fluid through the power
steering rack/box to aid driver in turning the steering
wheel
Can be electric uses electric motor mounted on
rack/box to help driver turn the steering wheel

Power steering

Power steering has two types of device for steering effort one type is a hydraulic
device utilizing engine power. The other type utilizes an electric motor.
Both develop fluid pressure, and this pressure acts on a piston within the power
cylinder so that the pinion assists the rack effort.
The amount of this assistance depends on the extent of pressure acting on the
piston. Therefore, if more steering force is required, the pressure must be raised.
The variation in the fluid pressure is accomplished by a control valve which is
linked to the steering main shaft.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) is designed to use an electric motor to
reduce effort by providing steering assist to the driver of a vehicle. Sensors
detect the motion and torque of the steering column, and a computer module
applies assistive torque via an electric motor coupled directly to either the
steering gear or steering column. This allows varying amounts of assistance to
be applied depending on driving conditions. The system allows engineers to
tailor steering-gear response to variable-rate and variable-damping suspension
systems achieving an ideal blend of ride, handling, and steering for each vehicle.
In the event of component failure, a mechanical linkage such as a rack and
pinion serves as a back-up in a manner similar to that of hydraulic systems.

Power Steering

Power Steering Components

Fluid
Pump
Fluid reservoir
Flow control valve
Pressure relief valve
Hoses
Gearbox or rack

Rotary Control Valve

A two-piece assembly that operates by rotating an inner valve
within an outer valve is called a rotary control valve. A steering
gear with a rotary control valve is also a torsion bar steering gear,
because a small torsion bar is used to control valve movement.
The inner valve element is secured to the steering gear input shaft
and the torsion bar. In the valve, the inner element and the input
shaft are one piece, and the torsion bar attaches to them.
The inner element assembly fits inside the outer valve element, and
is also secured to the torsion bar by a pin. The outer valve element
is also the steering worm gear.

Rotary Control Valve

Rotary Control Valve

The rotary valve consists of inner and outer elements. The worm gear is part of the outer element
and the torsion bar is part of the inner element. A pin attaches the worm gear to the bottom of the
torsion bar to join the two elements together.

The torsion bar acts as a spring

between the two elements to
allow movement between them
when the steering shaft turns.
The strength of the torsion bar
determines steering feel.

A weak torsion bar moves easily and

provides soft steering.
A strong bar resists movement and
makes steering feel firm.

Rotary Control Valve

When the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position, all of the ports in a rotary valve are
open equally to the pressure and return circuits.

When the steering

wheel is aimed straight
ahead, the valve is in
its neutral position.
Fluid enters the valve and
flows equally to both sides
of the steering gear piston
and to the return line.

Rotary Control Valve

During a left turn, the inner element turns so that the left-turn circuits are open to pressure and the
right-turn circuits are open to the return circuit.

When the steering wheel

and shaft turn
to the left, the inner element
twists on the torsion bar
and repositions the
valve ports.
In the left-turn position,
pressurized fluid flowing into
the valve can only exit
through the left-turn ports.

Rotary Control Valve

During a right turn, the inner element turns so that the right-turn outlets are open to pressure and
the left-turn outlets are open to the return circuit.

As the piston moves, it

forces fluid out of the
right-turn side, and that
fluid returns through
the control valve to the
pump reservoir.
Opposite flow occurs during
a right-hand turn: The rightturn ports are opened and
left-turn ports exhaust to the
return line.

Power steering
Rack-and-Pinion with Power Steering

When the rack-and-pinion is in a power-steering system, the rack has a slightly

different design. Part of the rack contains a cylinder with a piston in the middle.
The piston is connected to the rack. There are two fluid ports, one on either side
of the piston. Supplying higher-pressure fluid to one side of the piston forces the
piston to move which in turn moves the rack so providing power assist.

Power steering
Power steering pump is driven
by the engine or electric motor to
produce the hydraulic pressure for
steering system operation.

Pump types:
Roller pump.
Vane pump.

Gear pump.

Hydraulic Vs. Electric Power Steering

Hydraulic Power Steering System is complicated compared with Electric

Power Steering

Hydraulic Power Steering System usually weighs more than Electric Power
Steering

Hydraulic Power Steering uses hydraulic fluids for operation whereas there
is no such fluid needed for Electric Power Steering, thus Electric Power
Steering needs less maintenance compared to hydraulic power steering.

Electric Power Steering gives better response at different speeds as

compared to Hydraulic Power Steering

Eclectic Power Steering is less prone to problems and faults and are more
durable as compared to Hydraulic power steering.

Electric power consumes less power compared to Hydraulic power steering.

So a car having Electric power steering will give more mileage than one with
Hydraulic power steering.

Electro-hydraulic Systems

Electro-hydraulic power steering systems, sometimes abbreviated EHPS, and also

sometimes called "hybrid" systems, use the same hydraulic assist technology as
standard systems, but the hydraulic pressure is provided by a pump driven by an
electric motor instead of being belt-driven by the engine.
By providing power assist via hydraulic pressure, this system delivers a naturally
smooth steering feel and, thanks to the flexibility of control allowed by electric power,
offers more precise steering power characteristics. It also improves fuel economy
since the electric powered pump operates only when steering assist is needed

Electro-hydraulic Systems

Pressure control valve (PCV) type

Variable effort steering (VES) type

Uses a current-controlled valve to vary power

steering system pressure.
Uses a pulse width modulated valve to vary power
steering system pressure.

Magna-steer type

Uses a spool valve and electromagnetic device to

control the amount of assist.

4 wheel steering

Used by some manufacturers to aid handling

Front wheels do most of the steering
At low speeds, rear wheels steer opposite front to tighten
turning radius
At high speeds, rear wheels turn with front to improve
handling and cornering
Can be hydraulic or electric
Front steering is usually normal power steering
Rear wheel steering can be driven hydraulically or by
electric motor

Steering System Calculation

A Steering Mechanism as Machine

The force required to steer a vehicle is often

considerably larger than a driver can comfortably
exert.
The steering mechanism is a machine that allows the
driver of a vehicle to operate the steering without
having to exert a large force at the steering wheel.
The rack and pinion steering and worm and sector
steering gear mechanisms are examples of such a
machine .

Rack and Pinion as Machine

Rack and pinion as a machine

The steering wheel radius = R

The tangential force at the rim of the steering wheel = F (this is the effort)
The number of teeth on the pinion = Nt
The circular pitch of the pinion gear = p
The force produced at the rack = S (this is the load)

Mechanical Advantage & Movement Ratio

The mechanical advantage =

The movement ratio

Consider one revolution of the steering wheel.

One revolution of the pinion is a circular distance = Nt x p
This is the distance that the rack moves when the steering
wheel makes one revolution.
distance moved by effort 2R

The movement ratio = MR=

distance moved by load N p
t

Mechanical Advantage & Movement Ratio

Example

A rack and pinion steering system has 5 teeth of 10 mm pitch

and a steering wheel of 320 mm diameter. Calculate:
a) the movement ratio
b) the mechanical efficiency of the steering gear if a tangential
force of 30N at the rim of the steering wheel produces a force
of 560N on the rack.

Mechanical Advantage &

Movement Ratio

Solution

A Steering Worm and sector as Machine

Worm and sector steering gear as a machine

Mechanical Advantage & Movement Ratio

Example

A worm and sector steering gear has a 4-start worm and a sector that is a
sector of a 48-tooth worm wheel. The steering wheel has a diameter of 400
mm and the drop arm has a length of 150 mm. Two tangential forces each of
15N applied at the rim of the steering wheel produce a force in the drag link
of 450 N, which acts at right angles to the drop arm. Calculate:
a)

b)

c)

the movement ratio, MR, of the

steering system;
the mechanical advantage,
MA, of the system;
the mechanical efficiency of
the system.

Mechanical Advantage & Movement Ratio

Solution

Steering Gear Ratio

When the steering wheel is turned, the front wheels turn on their steering axis.

Steering gear ratio is the ratio

between the number of degrees
the steering wheel is rotated to
the number of degrees the front
wheel turns.

Steering Gear Ratio

A vehicle that turns three complete revolutions from full left to full right is said to
have three turns lock to lock.
A high ratio, such as 22 to 1 (22:1), means that the steering wheel must be
rotated 22 degrees to move the front wheels 1 degree.
This high ratio means that the steering wheel is easier to turn than a steering
wheel with a lower ratio such as 14:1.
The 14:1 ratio is considered to be faster than the 22:1 ratio. This fast ratio
allows the front wheels to be turned with less movement of the steering wheel,
yet more force may be required to turn the wheel.
This is considered by some to be more sporty.

Steering Gear Ratio

If the steering wheel is rotated 20 degrees
and results in the front wheels rotating 1
degree, the steering gear ratio is 20:1.

The front wheels are able to rotate through

60 to 80 degrees.
The steering wheel has to rotate 20 times the
number of degrees the wheels move.

Constant-ratio steering gear sector

shaft. Notice all three gear teeth are
the same size.

Steering Gear Ratio

Most steering gears and some rackand-pinion steering gears feature a
variable ratio. This feature causes
the steering ratio to decrease as the
steering wheel is turned from the oncenter position.
The high on-center ratio (such as 16:1)
provides good steering feel at highway speeds
while the reduced off-center ratio (13:1)
provides fewer steering wheel turns during
turning.
The ratio is accomplished by changing
the length of the gear teeth on the
sector gear.

Variable-ratio steering gear sector

shaft. Notice the larger center gear
tooth.